How is support coordinated throughout the fostering assessment process?

Support is coordinated throughout a fostering assessment by bringing together the assessing social worker, fostering team, training staff, household members and other professionals involved in the checks. Each person contributes to a shared assessment record and plan, so information is considered consistently rather than gathered in isolation.

At the beginning, the assessing social worker usually agrees the practical arrangements with you. This includes explaining the stages of assessment, identifying the information needed, discussing who in your household should be involved and arranging visits, interviews and preparation sessions. You should also have an opportunity to ask questions about the evidence being requested and how it will be used.

The assessment normally considers your motivation to foster, personal history, relationships, health, home environment, support network, finances and ability to meet the needs of children in care. These areas are explored progressively through discussions, home visits, references and relevant checks. Coordination means that the assessor can connect information from these different sources and clarify points with you where necessary.

• Assessment planning: the assessing social worker tracks the areas that have been explored and identifies what still needs attention.
• Training and preparation: learning sessions help you understand safeguarding, children’s development, attachment, behaviour, safer caring and the effects of trauma. Questions arising during training can be considered within the assessment.
• Checks and references: statutory and agency checks, health information, personal references and household details are followed up as part of the overall assessment. You may be asked to provide clarification or additional documents.
• Household involvement: adults and children living in the home may be included in discussions appropriate to their age and circumstances, because fostering affects the whole household.
• Review and feedback: the assessing social worker discusses progress with you, identifies any gaps and explains what further information or preparation is needed.

Regular communication is important because an assessment can raise new information or questions. If your circumstances change, such as a change in employment, health, household membership or living arrangements, tell the assessing team. The assessment may need to be reviewed so that the final recommendation reflects your current circumstances.

Support should also include clear explanations when an issue needs further consideration. This might involve arranging another conversation, seeking professional advice, completing additional preparation or considering how a particular need could be safely supported. A concern is not necessarily a final decision, but it should be discussed openly and recorded accurately.

As the assessment progresses, the assessing social worker brings the information together in a report. You should have the relevant opportunity to read and comment on the report in line with the agency’s procedures. Your views, explanations and any areas of disagreement should be considered before the recommendation is presented for approval.

Panel consideration is a formal decision-making stage rather than an additional assessment carried out alone. The panel considers the assessment report, supporting information and recommendation, and may ask questions through the agreed process. The fostering team coordinates the documents and practical arrangements so that the decision-makers have the information required. The final approval decision is made by the responsible fostering service in accordance with its procedures.

Good coordination should leave you knowing who your main contact is, what has been completed, what remains outstanding and why each next step is needed. If this is unclear, ask for an updated assessment plan or a written summary of the actions agreed. You can also ask how to raise a concern or make a complaint if you believe information has been misunderstood or the process has not been explained properly.